UGA Pace of Play Policy

Rule 5.6a states, in part: “A player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes,” and thereafter prescribes penalties for slow play. To prevent any such penalty, we suggest that you review carefully the following guidelines:

Official Policy

Official Policy


    SUMMARY

    • Checkpoints will be on completion (flagstick in the hole) of the 9th and 18th holes
    • When a group is out of position at any checkpoint, the group is in breach of this policy
    • 1st breach – Each player in group is subject to a one-stroke penalty
    • 2nd breach – Each player in group is subject to additional two-stroke penalty
    • Penalty strokes apply to the checkpoint hole where the breach occurred

    ALLOTTED TIME

    • UGA scorecards will list the expected finish time for each hole
    • The allotted time will be established by the committee and may vary depending on the golf course and the event
    • When a group falls behind, they are expected to regain their position
    • Time for ball searches, rulings and walking time between holes are included in the allotted time

    OUT OF POSITION (MISSED CHECKPOINT)

    • There are two ways for a group to be out of position (missed checkpoint):
    • The group has taken longer than the allotted time to play
    • The group completes play of a checkpoint hole more than 14 minutes after the preceding group (not applicable for first group)

    MONITORING OF PLAY AND VERIFICATION OF PACE

    • In lieu of warnings, allotted time is listed on the scorecard and clocks have been placed on Holes 7, 9, 16 and 18
    • Officials will be on the course to monitor play and verify the pace of groups when asked
    • Officials will advise players of any pace of play penalties they may have incurred upon completion of the 9th and 18th holes
    • Players concerned about a non-responsive player in his group should request an official to monitor the group in case penalties are incurred and appealed

    APPEALS

    • Before returning their scorecard, a player may appeal pace of play penalties to the Committee
    • Appeals will be considered in 3 circumstances:
    • The player was delayed by the committee (requesting ruling, etc.)
    • The player was delayed by a circumstance beyond control of the player or the group
    • The player was delayed by another player in the group
    • Circumstances will be considered only if a group did not have an opportunity to regain their position


    Last revision 2/17/2022